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Whatever goes up must come down does not, fortunately, apply to most of the structures in today's world. In fact, whenever a building, a bridge, a tunnel, or a dam collapses nowadays, it is front page news and often the beginning of a hunt for clues and culprits as fascinating as any detective story.

Tabla de contenidos provista por Syndetics

• Perface(p. 9)
• Acknowledgments(p. 11)
• Introduction(p. 13)
• 1. The First Structural Failure(p. 17)
• 2. Miracle on Thirty-fourth Street(p. 25)
• 3. Will the Pantheon Stand Up Forever?(p. 31)
• 4. For Lack of Redundancy(p. 55)
• 5. Big Bangs(p. 76)
• 6. The Day the Earth Shook(p. 90)
• 7. Galloping Gertie(p. 109)
• 8. When Metals Tire(p. 121)
• 9. Thruways to Eternity(p. 134)
• 10. The Weaknesses of Mother Earth(p. 149)
• 11. Valley of Tears(p. 161)
• 12. The House of Cards(p. 173)
• 13. Structural Dermatology(p. 183)
• 14. Old-Age Death(p. 207)
• 15. The Worst Structural Disaster in the United States(p. 221)
• 16. The Politics of Destruction(p. 231)
• 17. The Structure of the Law(p. 242)
• 18. Terror from the Sky(p. 257)
• 19. Conclusion: Can We Prevent Future Failures?(p. 269)
• Appendices
• A. Loads(p. 281)
• B. Stress and Strain(p. 289)
• C. Structural Materials(p. 292)
• D. Structural Systems(p. 295)
• Index(p. 327)

Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Structural engineers Levy and Salvadori have written a well-paced, highly informative, nontechnical work describing failures in a variety of structures such as buildings, bridges, and dams. Salvadori wrote Why Buildings Stand Up (Norton, 1990), so this is a natural complement. The subject, somewhat grisly in nature, is presented here with respect for the tragedies involved, and yet with a lighthearted pursuit of the truth as to the cause of the failure. Analysis of the failure is discussed and recommendations for improvement are offered, but without the usual condescension hindsight allows. Profuse illustrations by Kevin Woest, well labeled and explained, and several appendixes aid access. An index (not seen) is provided, but no glossary. This fascinating book is easily accessible to laypersons. Highly recommended.-- Alex Hartmann, Bloomsburg Univ. Lib., Pa. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

A collection of accounts of structural failures that can be understood by people with a wide range of backgrounds. The structural engineer, architect, and students studying each of these disciplines will appreciate the explanation of failures that they have probably encountered in other readings. Failures of ancient facilities, through modern bridges and buildings, are presented. There are simple explanations of the effects of various loads on a structure, such as those due to wind, earthquake, or fatigue. Some of the basic principles of statics and strength of materials are illustrated so that even readers with limited or no engineering backgrounds will find the book compelling. Hand-drawn sketches add to the friendly style of the writing. For all engineering libraries as well as public libraries. H. I. Epstein; University of Connecticut

Booklist Review

Not just for structural engineers, this inside account of technical disasters from ancient times to the present will appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly since Levy and Salvadori add a touch of humor to their concrete explanations. From crumbling pyramids to the twisting of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to the Amoco Building's shedding of its marble "skin," the true stories are as fascinating as any disaster novel. Salvadori, who previously expounded upon Why Buildings Stand Up (Norton, 1990), has served as an expert witness as well as a principal engineer and is full of interesting tales about human and mechanical failings. ~--Denise Perry Donavin

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Matthys Levy, an architectural engineer, has won numerous awards, including the AIA Institute Honor Award. He is a principal of Weidlinger Associates, one of America's leading structural Engineering firms
Mario Salvadori (1907-1997) was James Renwick Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering and Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Columbia University